Abscopal effect in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

We report a case about a possible abscopal effect in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Palliative conventional radiation of a metastatic lesion in the neck was performed and in the months after this treatment had been applied, clearance of the non-irradiated lung metastases and a subcutaneous nodule was observed. The abscopal effect is a phenomenon in which local radiotherapy is associated with regression of metastatic cancer at a distance from the irradiated site. It's a rare phenomenon; until now, only case reports and small series demonstrate the abscopal effect. This case supports the fact that further studying of this rare event must be encouraged.

Keywords: Abscopal effect; Carcinoma; Case report; Palliative conventional radiation; Renal cell.